CHICO, Calif -- A goal to raise $500,000 to fund interpretive concept planning, the production of the new park film, exterior interpretive trail exhibits and donor recognition displays for Lassen Volcanic National Park's new Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center has been reached, the Lassen Park Foundation has announced.

Over 250 foundations, businesses and individuals contributed to the funding effort which began with the funding for the interpretive concept plan for this 8,880 square foot facility. A park orientation film will feature the park's geologic history and opportunities to explore the park's natural wonders The new $10.8 million visitor center is to be constructed near the southwest entrance to the national park commencing this spring and opening in October, 2008.

Among those who have lent support include: the Ben B. Cheney Foundation, the Paskenta Band of Nomalaki Indians, the Scrooby Foundation, the Herbst Foundation, Sierra Pacific Foundation, the Brewster West Foundation, U.S. Bank, Ward-Young Architects and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, as well as numerous individuals and families who provided memorial contributions of over $1,000, which will be identified on a donor wall within the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center (which means, "Snowy Mountain," and is the Mountain Maidu Native American name for Lassen Peak).

"It's with a great sense of pride and accomplishment that we complete this campaign," said Lassen Park Foundation Chairman, John Koeberer. "We can't thank enough all who contributed. Their generosity shows the importance of Lassen Volcanic National Park and its stories, and represents the best in public-private partnerships that support our national parks, today." Lassen Volcanic National Park Superintendent Mary Martin echoed Koeberer's remarks, saying "The Lassen Park Foundation has been a relentless friend of the park. Congress allocated what was needed to build the new visitor center, and the Foundation has raised the funds to provide a quality film and displays that will help tell the park's story for years to come. The latter couldn't have happened without the tireless efforts of the Lassen Park Foundation."

The Lassen Park Foundation is a private, non-profit organization that supports projects in Lassen Volcanic National Park, Lassen National Forest and surrounding areas. It was established in 1984 and has since raised over $1 million in projects, trail restoration, scientific research, youth camping, interpretive displays, wildlife research and cultural resource development. More about the foundation and its work can be found at www.lassenparkfoundationorg.